Cote d’Ivoire’s World Cup in Harlem

Ivorian cab driver in East Harlem: “African players never play the same for their European teams and their national teams."

Fans at New Ivoire Restaurant in East Harlem.

It has been a relatively successful World Cup thus far for Africa, save a disappointing Cameroon. Nigeria, Algeria, and Ghana have all enjoyed crucial victories, edging them closer to a rare berth in the knockout round. Many of the European sides, too, have been carried by their players of African origin.

The Ivory Coast’s golden generation, enjoying their last spell on the international stage, have not gelled as expected. Led by grand statesman, Didier Drogba, and Yaya Toure, a midfield goliath that terrorizes the English game, Les Elephantes were poised to become the first African nation in this World Cup to seal progression to the knockout round with just a draw against an insipid Greece.

But Toure’s championship form for Manchester City has not continued in Brazil, leaving some in New York’s Ivorian community to question where his loyalties lie.

“African players never play the same for their European teams and their national teams,” said Cissé, a 27-year-old livery cab driver, at New Ivoire Restaurant in East Harlem, an intimate venue where loud banter in Pidgin French and the subtle spices of pepe soup create an Abidjan-esque atmosphere. “He loves his club more than his country.”

unnamed-1

No one can question Serey Die’s commitment to the Ivorian cause after a tearful moment during the national anthem. That kind of passion has won over even foreign fans. “He goes hard!”, said Yohann Perruchoud, 24, a Swiss national who keenly follows the Ivory Coast.

Many in the packed crowed pinned their hopes on Gervinho, and, of course, Drogba, whose mere presence inspired a decisive turnaround against Japan. The first glimpses of the bearded Ivorian captain evoked a rapturous applause, akin to a royal salute to a man who helped end his country’s civil war.

 

Little was said of midfield enforcer Cheikh Tiote, his lazy back pass opening the gates for the Greeks to score a vital opening goal. Ivorian pace and power responded, but to no avail. “Joue, Joue!” chanted fans, often in futility as Ivorian attacks lacked verve and imagination.

At half-time, tempers frayed at the restaurant, with fans pointing fingers, raising voices, and attempting a scuffle until calmer heads intervened. The stakes were high against a team almost all Ivorians in attendance were certain could be beaten.

unnamed-2

Substitute Wilfried Bony’s introduction inspired confidence, and his low finish from Gervinho’s square pass in the box restored the guarantee of safe passage.

unnamed-7

It seemed conclusive, until Ecuadorian referee, Carlos Vera, gifted Greece a penalty in the 92nd minute after Giorgios Samaras appeared to trip on his own foot. 

But even poor officiating, which has haunted this World Cup more than once, did not deflate the orange-clad fans as much as the players’ complacency. “They were lazy,” said Cheikh Cissé, the manager of New Ivoire.

unnamed-6

The Greeks, said airport worker Ismael Fofana, recognized the importance of this match, whereas his countrymen did not. “They needed the same thinking,” he added.

African hopes now lie with Nigeria, Ghana, and Algeria, who themselves have difficult ties and group table scenarios to negotiate.

But, on the bright side, no one in New York or Fortaleza got bitten.

unnamed

Further Reading

Energy for whom?

Behind the fanfare of the Africa Climate Summit, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline shows how neocolonial extraction still drives Africa’s energy future.

The sound of revolt

On his third album, Afro-Portuguese artist Scúru Fitchádu fuses ancestral wisdom with urban revolt, turning memory and militancy into a soundtrack for resistance.

O som da revolta

No seu terceiro álbum, o artista afro-português Scúru Fitchádu funde a sabedoria ancestral com a revolta urbana, transformando memória e militância em uma trilha sonora para a resistência.

Biya forever

As Cameroon nears its presidential elections, a disintegrated opposition paves the way for the world’s oldest leader to claim a fresh mandate.

From Cornell to conscience

Hounded out of the United States for his pro-Palestine activism, Momodou Taal insists that the struggle is global, drawing strength from Malcolm X, faith, and solidarity across borders.

After the uprising

Following two years of mass protest, Kenya stands at a crossroads. A new generation of organizers is confronting an old question: how do you turn revolt into lasting change? Sungu Oyoo joins the AIAC podcast to discuss the vision of Kenya’s radical left.

Redrawing liberation

From Gaza to Africa, colonial cartography has turned land into property and people into populations to be managed. True liberation means dismantling this order, not redrawing its lines.

Who deserves the city?

Colonial urbanism cast African neighborhoods as chaotic, unplanned, and undesirable. In postcolonial Dar es Salaam, that legacy still shapes who builds, who belongs, and what the middle class fears the city becoming.